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A show keeps it weird with cosmic Americana

A night that organizers say will be “rooted in traditional American music, warped by the modern American experience and elevated by existential cosmic energy” will take place at 8 p.m. Friday at Red Bicycle Bistro.

The night, billed as a “Cosmic Americana Hoedown,” will feature three music ensembles.

The first, The Nillbillies, call themselves an “existential bluegrass trio that doesn’t play much bluegrass.” Lead singer and songwriter Steffon Moody, backed by bass player Kevin Almeida and mandolinist Andre Sapp, will sing a high-octane set of comic songs that include ones they have already recorded for YouTube, “Only God Knows,” “Space Monkeys” and “Please Do Not Fear.”

The duo Walter and Donny will also take the stage. Band members Rex McFarlin and Jon Stewart play a mix of Americana pop songs blending alt-country feel and elements of space-rock. Original songs draw influences from the Grateful Dead, stalwarts of outlaw country and a sprinkling of the young John Denver.

The final band on the bill, Hominy, calls itself a front-porch blues band embracing acoustic roots and modern sensibilities. Hominy is a quartet, including Pat Reardon, Andre Sapp, Dodd Johnson and Boogie McCloud. Expect guitar, mandolin, drums and random electronics.

There’s no cover charge for the show. It’s for all ages until 11 p.m. and 21 and older after that.

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